A car believed to be linked to a kidnapping has been recovered by police officers.

Sussex Police confirmed that they had found a vehicle linked to the kidnapping of a woman in Church Road, Hove in the early hours of Monday morning.

Enquiries are ongoing to determine whether the car is related to the incident. 

The driver of the car is yet to be identified.

A spokesman for Sussex Police said the car, reportedly a dark coloured mini, was recovered in the Brighton area late on Monday evening.

It comes after a woman had been walking along Church Road around 2am on Monday, August 5 when she became aware of the car parked at the junction with Selborne Road.

The driver – and sole occupant – asked her for directions and she responded. Moments later, the suspect got out of the vehicle, grabbed the woman and forced her into the car.

He drove off south for a short distance along First Avenue, where the woman was able to escape from the vehicle and call for help.

Police officers were seen searching near Church Road this evening following the discovery.

Officers have since left the scene. It is currently unclear whether the search is linked to the kidnapping investigation.

Superintendent Petra Lazar said: “This is a fast-moving investigation and every effort is being made to trace the vehicle and the suspect.

“We are appealing for information from any witnesses or from any residents or businesses in the area who have CCTV footage or ring doorbell footage of the incident.

“We are aware that the community will be alarmed and concerned about this incident and we have increased police patrols and presence in the area. Anyone with concerns or any information can speak to those officers.”

Officers released a description of a man who they are looking to speak to in relation to the incident. 

He is described as a white man, about 6ft, of skinny build, and spoke with a local accent. He was wearing a black tracksuit, a black baseball cap and a black balaclava.

Anyone with information which can help our investigation should report online or ring 101 quoting Operation Grangeway.